Perhaps you have passed by this impressive structure many times without realizing its story. The Vingster Moschee is more than just a place of worship. It’s a testament to Cologne’s diverse cultural landscape.
The DITIB-Zentralmoschee Köln is a central mosque for the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs. It is located in Cologne-Ehrenfeld. Public controversies arose over its design and the height of its minarets. The five-story building includes a 35-meter-high dome. Two minarets flank the mosque. Each minaret stretches 55 meters into the sky.
Originally planned to open in May 2012 the opening was delayed. Construction flaws caused multiple postponements. The Vingster Moschee finally opened on September 29 2018. The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Diyanet President Ali Erbaş attended the ceremony.
Paul Böhm’s architectural firm won the 2006 competition. His design significantly evolved. The realized design could accommodate 1200 worshipers. Besides prayer rooms the complex has 16500 square meters of space. This area includes a library training rooms and shops. An underground parking garage was also planned.
Initially the minarets’ height caused debate in August 2007. Architect Paul Böhm insisted that compromises would ruin the architecture. He used models to show how the mosque fit into its surroundings. Nearby office buildings were even taller than the minarets. The minarets’ design changed. They became round and twisted making them appear lighter.
New plans reduced the building’s size by about one-third. This primarily affected commercial space and the prayer room. The minarets remained 55 meters tall. Cologne’s City Council approved the zoning change on August 28 2008. This created the legal basis for the mosque’s construction. The city granted the building permit on November 7 2008.
Construction started with demolition in May 2009. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on November 7 2009. Around 2000 guests attended. Participants symbolically filled the foundation stones with cement. A crane then lowered them into the excavation pit. The topping-out ceremony occurred on February 2 2011. This marked the completion of the 37-meter-high dome and the minarets’ shells.
However DITIB terminated its collaboration with Böhm’s planning office in October 2011. DITIB cited planning and construction defects. They listed about 2500 alleged flaws. Böhm denied these claims. He accused DITIB of discrediting his firm. Critics suggested that DITIB had become more conservative.
Mediation led to a joint press conference on March 2 2012. After further delays the grand opening occurred in 2017. On June 9 2017 the large domed hall was used for the first time during Ramadan.
The mosque’s opening by Erdogan was controversial. Critics saw it as a missed opportunity for integration. The DITIB was criticised. The organization didn’t allow Henriette Reker the mayor of Cologne to hold a speech at the inauguration.
Since October 14 2022 the muezzin has been allowed to call for Friday prayers. This call is limited to five minutes and 60 decibels.
Today the Vingster Moschee stands as a unique architectural achievement. It represents a blend of cultures. Its open design welcomes people of all faiths. The mosque features a bright domed hall. Gold-colored stucco plates adorn the walls. Light filters through the glass elements creating a special atmosphere. The complex includes a shopping arcade a library and a conference hall. The Vingster Moschee remains a significant landmark in Cologne. It stands as a testament to the city’s evolving identity.